Media statement by Nomonde Mbadi, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs
Appointment to the KEISIE Graduate School Academic Advisory Board
Durban University of Technology academic, Dr Dee Pratt has been appointed to the Academic Advisory Board of KEISIE Graduate School of International Education in Korea. Commencing her new role from March 2009, Dr Pratt is expected to serve on this board on an ongoing basis so as to assist with quality assurance of higher degrees in distance education.
Dr Pratt is the Research Co-ordinator in the Faculty of Arts & Design at the Durban University of Technology. An expert in e-Learning, she will assist in developing an international online campus that truly focuses on global education. The objective of the Academic Advisory Board, amongst others, is to provide guidance, direction and advice in the fulfillment and assessment of the Graduate School’s international mission, academic objectives, institutional strategic plans, academic programs, personnel policies, and educational policies.
“I am very chuffed to be on this International Board! It came about through my – continued – collegial contact with Dr Kenneth Ayouby in Michigan,” says Dr Dee Pratt on receiving the news. She added that Dr Ayouby wanted to register at DUT to do a DTech in Language Practice, his proposed project being a website for teaching Arabic and educating people about Arab culture. However, at the time she was told that DUT could not register distance students for higher degrees as they had to be present on campus for a certain period during the year. Dr Ayouby subsequently completed his doctorate in the USA. Despite that, they still kept up their contact via email.
In a letter to Dr Pratt, Wayne Bottiger, said: “I am sending this email correspondence as an official confirmation of appointment to the KEISIE Graduate School of International Education Academic Advisory Board. Our institution of higher education is very new, and we feel a strong sense of urgency to develop an international online campus that truly focuses on global education. Your acceptance of this confirmation and willingness to volunteer your time demonstrate the firm commitment needed as a colleague and professional educator in higher education, and exactly what we are looking for to ensure the growth and further development of the Graduate School overall.”
For more information, please contact Bhekani Dlamini on 031 373 2845 to facilitate interview.